Detroit City FC Sets Standard with LGBT-inclusive Jersey

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Detroit City Football Club will dedicate its June 6th match to LGBT inclusion in sport as part of its ongoing partnership with the You Can Play project. To help launch Motor City Pride weekend, Le Rouge will wear commemorative jerseys for the game, making it the first professional soccer team in North America to wear a jersey supporting LGBT inclusion.

Detroit FC is a partner of the You Can Play Project and identified this game as a way to build inclusivity and reinforce the idea that athletes should be judged on their talent and character alone. "We are thrilled to see sports teams embracing and expanding the You Can Play mission,” said executive director of You Can Play, Wade Davis. “We are excited to inspire Detroit FC to make LGBT sports history as we move towards full inclusion in all sports."

Following the match, each of the commemorative jerseys will be auctioned off to raise money for the Ruth Ellis Center (REC) in Highland Park. The REC is a shelter for at-risk youth, and the only organization in the country that offers LGBT youth a residential program in the foster care and juvenile justice system. Interested fans can bid on the game-worn jerseys at a silent auction at the stadium following the game. A selection of jerseys will also be available in an online auction at decityfc.com.

Detroit City FC will take on the Erie Admirals at Cass Tech High School in downtown Detroit on the 6th starting at 7:30pm. Tickets are $10 at the door and $8 in advance. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit http://www.detcityfc.com/. Le Rouge’s most recent home game was its first sellout in team history with over 3,000 in attendance.

Motor City Pride weekend is run by Equality Michigan, and will take place on June 7th and 8th at Hart Plaza. More information, including a schedule of events, can be found at http://www.motorcitypride.org/.